Quick Sicilian Fritters (Pantelleria Kisses)

These fried Quick Fritters are perfect for whenever you want to enjoy a sweet fried treat that is crispy and golden! A traditional Sicilian dessert from Pantelleria island, they have a light lemon flavor and a wonderful texture from being fried.

To make the quick fritters, you make a batter with egg, milk, lemon zest, salt, vanilla, sugar, and flour. Then, using a fritter mold, you dip the mold into the hot oil first followed by the batter. Next, you place the mold into the hot oil again to drop in the batter. Once the fritters are golden brown, they are dusted with powdered sugar before being served.

What are Quick Fritters?

These quick fritters are basically Pantelleria’s kisses, a traditional Sicilian fried dessert. The batter has a similar fluidity to pancake batter, containing egg, milk, flour, vanilla, milk, and sugar. It also includes lemon zest for a bright lemony flavor.

This quick fritters recipe requires a metal mold that you can use to shape the fritters and drop them into the hot oil to fry. This metal mold gives the fritters their distinct shape which crisps up beautifully when fried in hot oil.

Sometimes, Pantelleria’s kisses will be sandwiched with a ricotta filling. This version doesn’t include any ricotta. Instead, you simply dust the hot fritters with icing sugar before serving them.

Pro Tips

• Use a whisk to mix the batter to ensure that the batter is smooth and there are no lumps.
• If you would like your version of these quick fritters to be dairy-free, you could replace the milk with dairy-free milk such as almond, soy, or cashew.
• Make sure the oil is heated to around 160 F (71 C). You can test the oil with a thermometer to tell when it has reached the correct temperature.
• Use a pot with high sides to fry the quick fritters as this will ensure the oil won’t bubble over when you add the batter to it. You will also have room to add extra oil if the oil gets too hot and you need to cool it down.
• If you would prefer the fritters to not have a lemon flavor, you could omit the lemon zest or replace it with orange zest or lime zest.

What to Serve with Quick Fritters?

Simply dust these fritters with powdered sugar and a cup of coffee for a wonderful treat! However, if you would like to make them extra special, you could also dust them with cinnamon sugar or sandwich two fritters with a sweetened ricotta filling with mini chocolate chips.

What Type of Oil Should Be Used for Frying?

You should fry these quick fritters in oil that has a high smoke point and has a neutral taste. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or safflower oil are all good choices. You could also fry the fritters in tallow or lard if you have a good source for them.

Can I Make Quick Fritters Without Lemon?

Yes, if you don’t love lemon desserts, you could easily replace it with orange or lime instead. Alternatively, you could omit the citrus and amplify the vanilla so the fritters have a distinct vanilla flavor.

How Will I Know the Fritters are Cooked?

You will know the quick fritters are cooked when they are golden on both sides and quite crispy.

How to Store Quick Fritters

These quick fritters are best eaten once they are made for the best texture, but you can feel free to store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days if needed. They can then be re-crisped in the oven so that their texture isn’t too soft when you eat them.

How to Make Quick Fritters

Step 1

Step 1

In a bowl, whisk the egg with the milk, lemon zest, salt, and vanilla. Whisk in the flour and sugar until a smooth batter forms.

In a bowl, whisk the egg with the milk, lemon zest, salt, and vanilla. Whisk in the flour and sugar until a smooth batter forms.

Step 2

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pot, ensuring it reaches 160 F (71 C). Dip the fritter mold in the hot oil for 1 minute to warm it up. Dip the fritter mold into the batter and again into the oil to release the batter.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pot, ensuring it reaches 160 F (71 C). Dip the fritter mold in the hot oil for 1 minute to warm it up. Dip the fritter mold into the batter and again into the oil to release the batter.

Step 3

Step 3

Cook the fritters until they are golden on both sides. Remove them from the oil and dust them with icing sugar.

Cook the fritters until they are golden on both sides. Remove them from the oil and dust them with icing sugar.

Step 4

Step 4

Serve the fritters immediately!

Serve the fritters immediately!